Joe McHugh.
DOWNINGS is set to get a jobs boost with the creation of 18 positions at a new seaweed processing company. The new positions are being created by BeoBio Teo and are being supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Minister Joe McHugh TD (FG) made the announcement today following a Board meeting of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Minister McHugh said: “I am delighted that the Údarás na Gaeltachta Baord approved today a support package for Beo Bio Teo, a seaweed processing company to be set up in Downings. The company will be producing high value seaweed products for the food and pharma sector.”
The project will create 18 jobs over the next three years with an Údarás support package of just over €200,000 is in place to support an overall investment in the business set up of €750,000.
“This will create much need employment opportunities in this region in the north Donegal gaeltacht,” added Minister McHugh.
He also praised the work of Údarás na Gaeltachta staff and CEO Michael Heaney in securing the jobs for the county.
“Údarás is focused on developing marine based industry across the Gaeltacht and this project is a welcome addition to the Gaeltacht,” he added.
“These new jobs are a massive boost for the area. The company plan a seaweed processing project, taking in wild and eventually farmed seaweed for drying and turning into high value powder. The market will be in the food ingredient sector and the pharma sector. This gives a very high value per kilo of seaweed processed. It’s an exciting project for Downings with recruitment beginning over the next few months.”